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Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program

→ EU Citizenship → TURKEY CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

Table of Contents

Why Invest in Turkey?

Discover Türkiye's Strategic Advantages and Investment Opportunities

Türkiye offers a compelling environment for international investors, supported by its strong economic fundamentals, strategic location, dynamic demographics, and attractive incentives. Here’s why Türkiye should be your next investment destination:

1. Robust Economy

  • Türkiye ranks as the 12th largest economy globally by GDP at PPP and has demonstrated resilient growth over the past two decades.
  • The economy has nearly grown sevenfold over the last 23 years, with an average annual GDP growth of over 5%. It is a key player in global markets, with a diverse industrial base and increasing export capacity, reaching all-time high export levels in 2025.

2. Strategic Location

  • Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, Türkiye serves as a vital hub for manufacturing, export, and regional management.
  • It connects to 16 time zones and is within 4 hours of major markets, facilitating efficient supply chains and business operations.
  • Major markets such as Europe, MENA, and North America are easily accessible.

3. Expanding Domestic Market

  • Türkiye’s population is over 86 million, with a large and growing middle class, and half of the population under 35 years old, providing a vibrant workforce.
  • The country has a sizable middle-income population with increasing purchasing power, reflected in rising income per capita and consumer spending.

4. Favourable Demographics

  • Young, dynamic, and skilled workforce with a high availability of qualified engineers and senior managers.
  • The working-age population is projected to remain robust, supporting sustainable growth and innovation.

5. Sectoral Opportunities

  • Türkiye boasts diverse sectors with high growth potential, including aerospace and defense, machinery and electrical equipment, agro-food, energy, automotive, infrastructure, ICT, and more.
  • The country is a leading global producer and exporter in many sectors, with exports reaching new heights annually.

6. Business Environment & Reforms

  • Continuous reforms have improved ease of doing business, with faster company setup times and reduced regulatory restrictiveness.
  • Türkiye offers competitive tax policies, protection for foreign investments, and a transparent legal framework.

7. Attractive Incentives

  • A wide range of incentives including tax deductions, cash grants, free zones, and organized industrial zones support manufacturing, R&D, and export activities.
  • Investment zones and developed infrastructure further enhance profitability and operational efficiency.

8. Advanced R&D Ecosystem

  • Increasing R&D spending, a large pool of researchers, and numerous technoparks foster innovation and technological development.
  • International companies are actively conducting R&D in Türkiye, strengthening its position as a regional innovation hub.

9. Sectoral Strengths

  • Türkiye is a global leader in satellite production, UAV exports, geothermal energy, and renewable energy capacity.
  • The country is also a top producer in automotive, energy, agriculture, and ICT sectors, offering extensive opportunities for growth and investment.

10. Ease of Investment

  • Türkiye’s streamlined procedures, competitive costs, and proactive government support make it an ideal environment for foreign direct investment.

Guide to Acquiring Turkish Citizenship

This guide provides essential information for foreign investors interested in obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment. It outlines the legal grounds, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step procedures involved in the process.

Legal Grounds & Investment Criteria: Foreign investors can acquire Turkish citizenship by fulfilling specific investment conditions, including:

1. Property Investment: Purchasing Real estate worth at least USD $500,000 or equivalent in foreign currency or Turkish Lira, with a restriction on resale for at least three years.

2. Capital Investment: Making a fixed capital investment of at least USD $500,000 or equivalent, with a resale restriction of three years.

3. Job Creation: Creating jobs for a minimum of 50 people, with deposits of at least USD $500,000 or equivalent in banks operating in Turkey, under a three-year hold period.

4. Government Bonds & Venture Capital: Buying government bonds or investing in venture capital funds worth at least USD $500,000 or equivalent, with a three-year holding requirement.

5. Turquoise Card Holders: Foreigners holding the Turquoise Card may also be eligible, subject to presidential approval, provided no security or public order impediments exist.

Application Process

The process involves several steps:

1. Eligibility Certification: Apply to the Ministry of Industry and Technology for a certificate of eligibility.

2. Residence Permit: Apply to the Provincial Directorate of Immigration to obtain a residence permit.

3. Citizenship Application: Submit the citizenship application to the Provincial Directorate of Census, which forwards it to the General Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration (NVIGM).

Additional Requirements for Property & Investment-Based Applicants  

Obtain necessary documents from relevant authorities, including land registry, Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services, and the Capital Markets Board.

  • For real estate, the property must be registered with a title deed worth the required amount.
  • For investment funds, secure documentation from brokerage activities and conduct an archive investigation for security and public order.

Special Conditions: 

  • Resale restrictions of three years apply for property, capital, and investment fund shares.
  • The final approval for citizenship is granted by the President of Turkey based on the recommendation of authorities.

Turkiye Real Estate Market Overview

Strategic Location & Regional Hub

Turkiye continues to position itself as a vital regional hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its strategic location supports manufacturing, logistics, and trade, making it an attractive destination for investors.

Economic Resilience & Growth

Turkiye ranks as the 12th largest economy globally (GDP PPP) and has seen its export volume increase sevenfold since 2003. The country’s GDP has expanded significantly, reaching over USD 1.3 trillion in 2024, supported by strong macroeconomic fundamentals.

Trade & Investment Opportunities

With 23 free trade agreements and a Customs Union with the EU, Turkiye provides access to over 1 billion consumers and a regional market valued at USD 30.2 trillion within a four-hour flight radius. Total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached USD 11.3 billion in 2024, with USD 2.8 billion directed toward real estate.

Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism rebounded strongly, welcoming 62.2 million international visitors in 2024, generating USD 57.1 billion in revenue. Prime hotel rents increased, and the sector remains a key growth driver.

Market Outlook

Despite high financing costs and geopolitical uncertainties, Türkiye’s market shows resilience with numerous investment opportunities across asset classes. The government’s ongoing reforms and strategic initiatives, such as the Istanbul Financial Center, aim to enhance the country’s position as a global investment destination.